Snow
July 6, 2023Meeting In A Lift
July 6, 2023She Asked You
A girl asked you: What is poetry?
You wanted to say to her: You are too, ah yes, you are
and that in fear and wonder,
which prove the miracle,
I’m jealous of your beauty’s ripeness,
and because I can’t kiss you nor sleep with you,
and because I have nothing and whoever has nothing to give
must sing…
But you didn’t say it, you were silent
and she didn’t hear the song.
Vladimir Holan
Vladimir Holan (1905-1980) was a Czech poet who is known for his subtle and introspective works. His writing often dealt with themes of memory, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. Holan was also a noted translator and his translations of Shakespeare and other English-language works are widely regarded as some of the finest in Czech literature.